Too Many Rules: Illinois Homeschooling Bill Faces Backlash

In Illinois, a new bill is causing quite a stir. House Bill 2827, also known as the Homeschool Act, has parents and educators up in arms. The bill aims to regulate homeschooling and private schools, but critics argue it goes too far. The bill was introduced by Democratic Rep. Terra Costa Howard. It comes after an investigation revealed that Illinois lags behind most other states in homeschool oversight. In 2022, nearly 4, 500 children were recorded as withdrawn from public school for homeschooling. The bill requires parents to fill out detailed paperwork. If they don't, they could face up to 30 days in jail. This includes a yet-to-be-created form with personal information about homeschool students. The bill also allows state bureaucrats to demand information on what parents are teaching and how students are progressing. Critics worry this could lead to misunderstandings and bureaucrats substituting their judgment for parents'. The Homeschool Act doesn't stop at homeschooling. It also creates new rules and information-sharing requirements for private schools. This has private school advocates concerned. They argue that the bill violates the trust between schools and families. Most private schools operate on tight budgets, and new bureaucratic requirements could strain these schools. Why are politicians focusing so much on homeschooling and private school accountability? Critics point out that statewide, only 30% of fourth-graders in the public school system can read at grade level. They argue that lawmakers should be focusing on improving public schools instead of impeding private ones. The bill has faced stiff opposition. Over 1, 000 people joined a protest against the measure. More than 21, 000 people filed witness slips in opposition to the bill, with fewer than 500 slipping in support. The Homeschool Act is scheduled for a committee hearing soon. Critics hope it does not advance.